To figure out how much water your designated patch of soil retains, dig a hole about ten inches deep. Fill it with water and check it in a day when all the water has disappeared. Fill the hole again with water and if the second time the hole is full of water, your soil has a low saturation point. This is not good for almost any plant to survive and you need to fix it. The method for improving drainage in your garden is to create a raised bed. You can create a small border for a raised bed and add enough soil and compost to raise it above the rest of the level of the yard by at least 7 inches. Just doing this small border will improve drainage significantly.

The two main areas that you would want to build a raised bed are on grass or dirt. Both of these situations should be built slightly different. If you want a raised garden in a non grassy area, this will be easy to build. Just find some type of border to retain the dirt you will be adding. What really works for me are the good old two by fours. Just grab a few and place them around the area where you want your raised bed. Once the two by fours are in place, add some soil and maybe some manure. I normally wait a while before planting on the raised bed just to make sure there is no deterioration taking place. (photo courtesy: srgc.org.uk)

If you are planning to build a raised bed where sod already exists, this may be a little more difficult to do. For starters, you need to cut the sod around the perimeter of the garden and then flip it over. This is not as simple as it sounds and you need something that has a very sharp edge to slice the edges of the soil and be able to get under it. Once the sod is turned upside down, you can add a layer of straw to prevent the grass from growing back up. On top of the layer of straw, you can add all the soil and manure that a normal garden would need.

After your raised beds are built, you can start planting your plants the same way you’ve planted them before in any other areas of your garden. Be careful and make sure that the roots don’t extend too far into the original ground level. Keep in mind that the whole point of creating a raised bed is to keep the roots out of that ground level that saturates easily. The beauty of a raised bed is that you will notice a great improvement almost immediately after planting you new plants. The new soil added facilitates better root development, evaporation is prevented and decomposition is completely discouraged. Combine all these things and it makes a perfect environment for almost any plant to grow beautifully. So go ahead and start building that raised bed and you will see that the results are worth every bit of work you’ve put into it. (photo courtesy: thenaturalgardener.co.uk)

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Post tags: compost, garden raised bed, garden sod, garden water, manure, proper drainage, raised bed, Soil

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If you practice Tai Chi or some form of yoga or meditation, having a water fountain in your garden is good as the constant sound of water will help you to concentrate on what you are doing. Even if you are not into yoga or meditation, just being in a flower garden with a fountain flowing constantly you will get some sort of meditative quality without really trying. Having a water foundation in you garden is something that I recommend to anyone.

Another positive notion here is that putting in a water fountain in your garden is easy and inexpensive. It is also easy to maintain. When you are ready to put in a fountain, take your time and spend some time picking out the one that will go well with the rest of your garden. If there are any other decorations in your garden, make sure the water fountain goes well with the rest of the decorations. Just look around and ask yourself if the fountain you have in mind will stand out like a sore thumb or will it look like it was meant to be there. (photo courtesy: ceramicfountains.com)

If you have any doubts whether or not a fountain will look good in your garden, don’t buy one just for the sake of having it. Take a picture of your garden and bring it to your local store that sells fountains and ask them to give you ideas. You will be surprised how much help you will get from an expert working at a store that sells fountains. They will help you pick a fountain and show you exactly how it will look in your garden. So don’t stress over this and let the experts help you choose the fountain that will blend nicely in your garden.

Remember that a water fountain needs power so be sure you have electric outlets to plug it in. If your garden is not very close to your home, don’t run an extension cord across the yard. This is not only dangerous but it will also look tacky. Instead go to your local home improvement center and ask them for an extension cord that is meant to be buried in the ground. Yes, you will have to dig a small trench across the yard but this will solve the problem and you will have power for the fountain. (photo courtesy: relaxationproducts.com)

So if you’re looking to enhance your garden’s beauty and make it look real classy, go ahead and install a water fountain. It is not difficult and it will not cost you a lot of money. Having a water fountain in your garden is not only soothing but it also adds lots of character to your flower garden. To me, a garden is not just for having flowers planted but also a place where I can go to relax and not be disturbed by the outside world.

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Post tags: fountains, positive energy, relaxation, soothing appeal, yoga meditation

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To mention a few, there are plenty of heavy bags and pots to be carried, holes to be dug, weeding to be done, planting new plants, and pruning old ones. Almost every muscle in your body gets a workout when you do all these things. If you don’t garden regularly, be sure to stretch out before you start working even if your goal is not to workout or get exercise. You should also pay attention to your posture when gardening. I’ve seen some gardeners hunched over or bending over for a long time and this is not good for your back. My advice here is to take frequent breaks and give your back a rest.

To me, weeding and pruning gives you the best workout when gardening. Your legs will get a great workout because of the constant standing and crouching. If you have weeds that are difficult to pull out, you will be giving your arms a good workout just from the effort needed to remove those nasty weeds from the ground. If you have lots of weeding to do, be sure to switch arms and positions to spread out the work between different areas of your body. (photo courtesy: ajsgrass.co.uk)

Another great way to get exercise is by carrying and lifting those heavy bags of soil and large heavy pots around the garden. Just think of it this way. Between the nursery and your home you will have to move the bags and pots several times like going to the checkout, to the car, to the garden and then spreading them out where you want them. As long as you remember to lift with your legs and not your back, transporting bags and pots can give you a fairly good workout, even though you probably don’t make those purchases very often.

Mowing your grass can also be a great exercise. If you’ve got an older mower that isn’t self propelled, just the act of pushing it through the grass will give you more of a workout than going to the gym. During the course of mowing the grass, you use your chest, arms, back, and shoulders to keep the mower ahead of you. Your thighs and butt also get worked a lot to propel the mower. Not only do you get an all around muscle work out, but it can improve your heart’s health too. It’s good for you as a cardiovascular activity, as well as a great way to loose weight due to the increased heart rate and heavy breathing. (photo courtesy: environment.about.com)

So like I told you earlier, gardening is not just a chore that needs to be done. It can also be a great way for you to get in shape and possibly loose some weight. Remember that it is a good thing to stretch out before you head over to do some gardening. Also, drink lots of water and don’t forget to use sunscreen. You need to avoid dehydration, sunburn and pulled muscles at all times. Just have fun gardening and you might even end up being a healthier person.

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Post tags: flower garden, gardening workout, mowing grass, pruning flowers, weeding a garden

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The sad thing about butterflies is that these beautiful creatures have very short life spans. Maybe that is the reason they seem to be attracted to beautiful things during their short lives. Butterflies are attracted to bright color flowers and flowers like aster, black eyed susan, marigold and butterfly weed are known to attract them in droves.

When selecting flowers for the purpose of attracting butterflies to your summer garden take into consideration that butterflies flock to a garden to get their food which is the nectar of the flowers. So a garden that is filled with more nectar producing flowers will likely get more than its share of attention from butterflies nearby. The greater the selection of nectar producing flowers in your garden, the greater the number of butterflies your garden will attract.

Besides planting lots of colorful flowers in your garden, you can also place several pieces of ripe fruit around your garden and this will attract even more butterflies. This is another method that is used by many butterfly lovers. Also keep in mind that butterflies love the sun which means that shady types of gardens are not best suited for attracting them. So your butterfly garden should be planted in an area where it gets full sun most of the day. In addition, keep in mind that different butterflies are attracted to different plants both as caterpillars and as butterflies. For best results, visit your local nursery and ask lots of questions when seeking the most suitable plants for your butterfly garden. (photo courtesy: home-and-garden.com)

The use of pesticides in a flower garden set up to attract butterflies should be avoided. Pesticides will harm butterflies and it doesn’t make sense to harm these beautiful creatures through the nourishment they receive when they visit your garden. The good news is that you can use organic gardening methods in your butterfly garden for best results and protect them from harm.

Butterflies need to be kept hydrated so make sure there is a source of water nearby. Some gardeners add water fountains that keep the water running while having it available for birds and butterflies. If you decide to use this method, be sure the water runs to avoid attracting mosquito infestation. The most important thing to remember is that a summer garden is an investment and adds beauty to you home. It is a great thing when we can accomplish more than one beauty as the result of our hard work and effort. A summer garden designed to attract butterflies is a great way to achieve just that. (photo courtesy: flickr)

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Post tags: butterflies, butterfly garden, garden for butterflies, summer garden

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If you’ve never gardened before and want to start, don’t be afraid and get started. It is not meant to be difficult and as a matter of fact, it can be lots of fun. There are lots of gardening books and magazines with a wealth of information to guide you along or better yet, ask mom or grandma for advice. Most likely they will tell you how much they enjoy gardening and that it is not a hindrance to start growing your own plants outdoor or indoors. And what a joy it will be when you get to see your flower garden blossom and looking beautiful.

As a starting point, decide what it is that you want to grow in your garden. Don’t make it complicated; you can start with just a bed of colorful flowers initially. Once this is done, look around and maybe plan for an exotic country garden full of wild flowers and shrubs, all different kinds of little trees and shrubs or just go for a backyard full of containers planted with grown plants. This is not difficult to do because you can find lots of information on how you can start doing them. You can also visit your local gardening places and the experts for assistance and ask lots of questions.

Next you need to get the basic tools that you need to start gardening. For starters you will need a trowel, spade, rake, lawn mower and of course plants of your choice to grow. Remember that the kinds of plants to grow will depend on what type of garden you want, the availability of those plants, and the climate where you live. Keep in mind that there are plants that grow only for one season like annuals and there are others that can be cultivated to grow year after year like perennials. Before you buy the plants, make sure you have a basic plan on the space you have available where you want to start your garden. If you have a small space, buy some colorful annuals and perennials as a starting point.

While shopping for your desired plants, be sure to get some potting soil. Before digging any holes, simply place the plants in the area designated for the garden and see how they look. Move them around until you are satisfied with the look of your garden. Follow the planting instructions that are included with all your plants, dig the holes in the ground and plant. As you can see, gardening is not difficult at all and the satisfaction you will get from caring for your garden and watching your plants grow and flower into gorgeous blooms is priceless.

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Post tags: gardening beginners, gardening information, gardening tips

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Did you also know that if you order your Peonies now you can save over 60% off the regular price? Peonies are planted in the fall for spring flowering and if you get them now, you can enjoy them right in you garden or yard at very special money saving prices. Very reputable companies like Breck’s are offering special prices for anyone who wants to place orders now for fall shipping of Peonies. So the time to buy Peonies for fall planting is now.

Peonies are long lived perennials that produce large flowers in the spring that actually look like roses and are absolutely beautiful. It comes in many colors but some of my favorites are cream, coral, pink, white, rose, scarlet and yellow. Peonies require winter cold to flower and it is best to plant them in a northern exposure and do not mulch in the winter. They grow best in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Be sure to plant them in well drained soil and preferably in a raised bed for proper drainage. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Ideally Peonies should be planted around September or October. Dig a hole about 12 to 18 inches deep and about 18 inches wide. Be sure to space them at least 3 to 4 feet apart. Add some compost to the hole and about a half a cup of fertilizer. Be sure the fertilizer is at the bottom of the hole and not on the soil that will surround the roots. Peonies are deep rooted plants so be sure to prepare the soil properly before planting. Add some regular soil to the hole, about half full, then place the Peonies root with the eyes facing upward and work the soil in around the fleshy roots.

In the spring, you can mulch the Peonies with a 3 inch layer of organic matter to control weeds and conserve moisture. In the fall, remove the old mulch and leave the plants without mulch during the winter months. Remember, Peonies need cold weather to promote flowering and growth. Peonies flowers are very large so it is recommended that you stake the plant to prevent them from breaking or bending over. Select stakes that are at least 12 inches shorter than the plants and sink them in the soil behind the plant. Using a soft cloth or plastic covered wire, tie the stems to the stakes carefully. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

There you have it! Follow these simple guidelines and you too can have gorgeous Peonies in your flower garden. The best part is that you will have them for many years to come. Remember to order them from a good company like Breck’s that offers the best quality and will provide planting instructions. And, as I mentioned before, you can save lots of money by purchasing your Peonies now for fall planting.

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Post tags: Fall Gardening, Gardening, Mulch, Peonies, Soil, Spring Flowers

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What I plan to do to save some money is to shop around for bargains at our local garden places and also change the landscape of the gardens and plant less than what I had last year. I am grateful that my rose garden survived the cold weather and the roses are coming back so no need to make changes there. For the rest of the gardens, here is what I will do and you can do this too and save some money.

Buy lots of Ground Cover Plants

Last year, I had many different species of small flowers planted in various areas of the gardens. This year, I will buy lots of ground cover of the same flower and plant them to cover large areas. Buying the same plant will save me some money as opposed to buying different species that are all different prices. Annuals are bountiful now and add gorgeous color to any garden so I will get a bunch of these keeping in mind that one Petunia plant can cover up to four feet of ground in the garden. The best thing about Petunias is that they require very little care. (photo courtesy: flickr)

Buy Flowering Gardening Herbs

Plant flowering gardening herbs mixed with other flowers. I will buy rosemary plants for my gardens and benefit from its beautiful flower and also use it in the kitchen for cooking. Definitely a way to save some money! Rosemary plants are very fragrant and have pretty violet blue flowers. Since Rosemary comes as a trailing plant, I can use it as a ground cover in some of the bare areas of my garden. There is an upright version of Rosemary but it grows up to 4 feet tall so be sure to plant it away from the smaller plants in your garden. Basil is another flowering herb that can be planted in your garden in between your other flowers. (photo courtesy: flickr)

Buy small Flowering Shrubs or Trees

On one of my gardens, I will buy a small flowering tree or an evergreen shrub and planted in the center of that garden. I will then buy a contrasting color ground cover to fill in the rest of the bare area around the shrub. Don’t do this in your garden in front of your home as it may diminish the view from your windows. This one garden I have is on the side of the house and away from the front windows. This will save me some money as I will spend approximately $20.00 for the shrub and maybe $15.00 for ground cover. Buying a variety of all different types of plants to cover that garden will cost much more than this. The possibilities are endless on how you can have a gorgeous garden and stay within budget to save money. So go ahead and experiment with some of these ideas and more importantly, have fun working on your garden. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

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Post tags: Flowering Herbs, Gardening Money Savings, Ground Cover, Petunias, Roses, shrubs, trees

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To accomplish his quest, Edward Bok contacted a famous landscape architect by the name of Frederick Law Olmsted. He then proceeded to buy the land on the hilltop and told Frederick Olmsted to analyze that sand hill and turn it into a place of beauty. After laying water pipes for irrigation, loads of black soil was brought in. Wanting to create tropical gardens, the architect decided to plant trees and lots of bushes in order to provide food for the birds. These plantings are still there today and serve as a refuge for squirrels and hundreds of bird species. (photo courtesy: Bok Tower Gardens)

The gorgeous garden is one of the greatest achievements of the famous landscape architect Frederick Olmsted. The gardens consist of 250 acres of tranquil resting places, shady areas, picturesque vistas and awesome splashes of color. Here you will also find many family friendly garden areas where children can learn about the gardens and play with butterflies and watch lots of different species of birds. There are also many acres of oaks, pines, ferns and palm trees that create different shades of green. In between all this greenery, you will see a spectacular array of magnolias, camellias and azaleas blooms that is magnificent. (photo courtesy: Bok Tower Gardens)

The Bok gardens are known for the gorgeous landscape trails and gardens but you will also find human friendly squirrels that you can feed by hand. There is a place called ‘Window by the Pond’ where it might be the best place to see the garden’s native birds and wildlife throughout the place. This is a wooden building with benches and a large window and visitors are encouraged to observe butterflies, reptiles, and many species of birds in their natural habitat.

This historic Sanctuary is open daily and there is an admission fee of $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 years old are admitted free of charge. The Bok Tower Gardens is located about 50 miles south of Orlando in Central Florida. The gardens are open from 9 am to 5pm daily. For more information go to: http://www.boktowergardens.org

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Post tags: azaleas, Bird Sanctuary, Bok Tower Gardens, butterflies, camellias, Edward Bok, ferns, Florida, Lake Wales Florida, oak trees, palm trees, pine trees, tree planting, wildlife

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But as you look around your garden, you see those sad looking flowerbeds that are still frozen and actually crunches when you touch them. Some perennials, pansies and snapdragons may be drooping and when you touch the soil it is frozen solid. Gosh! It really is sad to see your garden look like this. But this in reality is what happens to your garden during the colder months in the northern areas or even cold fronts like we have here in Florida.

If you have hardy perennials in your garden, the good news is that snow and ice act as insulators and this actually may have helped the plants survive the cold weather. Some gardeners believe that after a big freeze or cold front, you should not wash the ice or frost off the plants because it may damage the plants. Leave the frost alone and wait until the soil is completely thawed and dry before working on the garden.

Once the soil is frost free, water it lightly to make sure the roots don’t dry up completely. Don’t over water as this may cause your plants to rot. Once it starts warming up in your area, start removing the damaged leaves from your perennials and other plants that were affected by the freeze. Be sure to remove any leaves that look mushy, yellow or dried out to prevent the spread of disease. Remember that the roots of these plants were somewhat protected even during a cold front and these should come back healthy in the spring.

The exception to this is tropical plants that are sometimes called “woody” plants. Don’t prune plants like hibiscus or lantana right after a big freeze or frost. These plants are best pruned in the spring or once the danger of frost is gone. Wait until you see new growth beginning to sprout or you can scratch the bark lightly until you see green wood. If the green is there, go ahead and prune your tropical plants.

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Post tags: Big Freeze, Flowerbeds, Garden Care, Hardy Plants, Landscape, Perennials

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Christmas is a time for giving and now you can order some bulbs at incredible prices. For example, Breck’s which is a very reputable bulb company is offering 25% discount on selected bulbs for Christmas. They have lots of bulbs to choose from in their Holiday Collection but you have to hurry and order by December 15th to lock in your savings.

These bulbs come from Holland and Breck’s uses the most efficient way to ship them to you via US Parcel Service or United Parcel Service. They guarantee that all of their holiday gift items ordered before December 15th will be delivered by Christmas Eve. So hurry and get your order in for all those special people on your list. Here are a few of the bulbs in their collection.

Twinkle Twinkle Holiday Star Amaryllis
This gorgeous red amaryllis is known as the Star of Holland because of its dramatic white star in the center of each bloom. Amaryllis is truly a traditional symbol of the holiday season and you can expect to get 6-8 flowers that measure 8″ across from 1-bulb planter. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Sleigh Bell Daffodil
Daffodils are an old time favorite of many people and very easy to grow. Sleigh Bell Daffodil produces multiple blooms per stem of beautiful soft yellow flowers that are accented by a darker cup. It has very sturdy stems that grow up to 10″ tall. In this collection, you will get 3 potted bulbs in a 4″ pot that comes wrapped in green foil and produces 18-21 blooms. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Christmas Charm Hyacinth
This is another old time favorite and heavenly fragrant. Christmas Charm Hyacinth produces hundreds of tiny florets and one stem is enough to perfume a whole room. It has strong stems and lavender bell flowers with white markings and you can get 3 potted bulbs in a 6″ pot wrapped in green foil. These bulbs are already sprouted so you can have flowers in just a few weeks. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Go ahead and get your order in to arrive just in time for the holidays. You will have peace of mind knowing that you’ve purchased your bulbs from a very reputable company like Breck’s.

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Post tags: Amaryllis, Christmas Gifts, Daffodils, Flowering Bulbs, Hyacinths

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